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| OFC leaders and members from Ilocos Norte (blue shirt), Ilocos Sur (red shirt), La Union (pink shirt) and Pangasinan (yellow shirt) join in the celebration of 24th Migrant Worker’s Day on June 7, 2019 at Fr. Burgos Gymnasium, Saint Louis College, San Fernando City, La Union. (OWWA) |
San Fernando City, La Union—The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office I (OWWA RWOI) recently celebrated the 24th Migrant Workers’ Day or Araw ng Pasasalamat on June 7, 2019 at Saint Louis College in this city.
More than 600 OFWs and dependents from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan participated in the event.
As one of OWWA’s institutional events and as a tribute to all the migrant workers, OWWA RWOI made sure that this year’s celebration will be successful with the theme, “Salamat sa tapang, sipag at pagmamahal mo, Kabayan”.
The activity started with a thanksgiving mass officiated by Fr. Romeo Aquino Jr., CICM held at the Transfiguration of our Lord Chapel (SLC Chapel) which was attended by OWWA staff and OFC leaders and members. An intensive Zumba followed next at the SLC Fr. Burgos Gymnasium joined by fitness enthusiasts to boost their energy and prepare themselves in the fun-filled activities at stake.
This time, OWWA RWOI conducted an Original Song Composition showcasing the talents of OFWs and/or their dependents in lyrical composition and musical arrangement. As a criterion, it should depict the lives of the OFWs, their sacrifices and success. The four provinces have an entry for this competition and resulted to astounding and meaningful presentations.
On the Spot Photography Contest was orchestrated by amateur photographers from each province and were given a specific time to take pictures based on the theme. All contenders were able to capture fun and heartfelt photos during the event.
In partnership with Dr. Evamarie D. Madayag and Philippine College of Occupational Medicine-La Union Chapter, free medical consultation, bone density screening, pulmonary function test and fasting blood sugar were also simultaneously offered to interested participants. Those who consulted and detected with high sugar level were given medical advice and proper dietary plan.
To keep up with the latest trend, OWWA RWOI also included “Viral Challenge”, specifically the “Dalagang Pilipina Video Challenge” wherein OWWA RWOI staff and netizens casted their votes through social media; “Switch It Up Dance Challenge” for ladies and gentlemen in their 50’s; and “Buwan Singing Challenge” for those who has high singing voice.
To raise the awareness level of the audience, a quiz bee was also played by 15 participants per province. The questionnaires were mostly culled from OWWA and its programs and services.
A classic “Hep Hep Hooray” and “Catch the Ball” filled the venue with fun, excitement and laughter.
On his message, OWWA RWOI OIC Director Gerardo Rimorin expressed his great pleasure to celebrate Migrant Worker’s Day, “angOWWA kabilang ang buong Kagawaran ng Departamento ng Paggawa, ay lubos na nagagalak na ipagdiwang ang araw na ito na puno ng pasasalamat, at pagbibigay kilala sa lahat ng migrante sa buong mundo.”
OWWA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac also sent a message to give honor and tribute to the sacrifices of the Filipino Migrant Workers and emphasized, “saludo tayo sa kanilang sipag at tapang na harapin ang hamon ng pakikibaka bilang dayuhang manggagawa sa ibang bansa at iwan ang kanilangcomfort zone dahil sa pagmamahal sa kanilang pamilya.”
On behalf of DOLE RO1 Regional Director Nathaniel V. Lacambra, Assistant Regional Director Honorina G. Baga delivered a sincere gratitude to everyone who joined in the celebration. She also gave her tribute to OFWs as well as to their families for having strong ties despite distance.
The Migrant Workers’ Day is an annual celebration every 7th day of June commemorating the signing of Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995, which institutes policies of overseas employment and establish a higher standard of protection and promotion of the welfare of migrant workers and their families and overseas Filipinos in distress. (OWWA)